As ever, I should have paid more attention to my mother and grandmother.

January 22, 2025

The best part of being the curator of Clara’s archive is connecting with collectors. I’ve learned so much and the comments are so wise. Here’s what Steve H. had to say:

Good morning. 

I was just going through some of my grandmother's items and found the attached picture. I am just contacting you in case it may be of interest to you. Your website is very informative. 

My grandmother was English and moved to Canada in the late forties or early fifties. Her husband was also English and he ran a golf course in Niagara. I understand that the venue was quite prestigious, so it is possible that they did meet Clara.

I will have to remove the picture from the frame to gain access to the rear of the canvas.  I am happy to do that.

I found the research that you have done to be very interesting, and your passion for Clara is a real credit to you and her.

Obviously I am very happy for you to add my picture and any information to your website. 

I have looked at the painting, and it appears to be painted directly onto a composite wood board. It measures 17 1/2" x 19".

I hope this information is useful to you. Unfortunately, I can't offer you anything more by way of its history. As ever, I should have paid more attention to my mother and grandmother. 

Please feel free to use this information and photos as you wish

And this was my reply to Steve:

From my research it is probable that Clara's mentor was Emily Louise Orr Elliott, (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Louise_Orr_Elliott) an accomplished Canadian artist. If you look up Emily's work you'll see the similarities.  Clara's husband Fred kept a diary for 5 years where he makes reference to "Mrs. Elliott" and the painting trips she and Clara made together. They would travel sometimes for weeks at a time in winter to places like Haliburton.  You can only imagine what the conditions were like in the 1920's -30's, driving in snow, etc.

May 6, 1938 - Mrs. Eve, Clara & I drove to Niagara Falls for the blossoms

Aug 9, 1939 - Clara & Mrs. Elliott on way to Glouster

Sep 27, 1939 - Clara & Mrs. Elliott off for the Laurentians

Apr 28, 1940 - Clara took Mrs. Elliott out to Kleinberg

Thanks Steve, for sharing this still life with us and contributing to Clara’s archive.